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For many business owners, needing help is a sign of success. Your business is growing, and you simply can’t do everything on your own anymore. If you are in a position of needing to hire a new employee, it is important to protect yourself and your business in the process by working with an experienced business lawyer. Here are just a few things to keep in mind.

Set Expectations from the Start

From the very beginning, make sure your employee understands the nature of his or her employment. If your employee is an at-will employee, make that clear. You should also clearly set forth the employee’s job duties and responsibilities, as well as your expectations for his or her performance. Specify how and when you will evaluate the employee’s performance, as well as whether these evaluations will be accompanied by adjustments in compensation. By explicitly defining your employee’s job responsibilities, you protect your business from potential liability in situations in which he or she acts outside the scope of his or her job duties.

Create an Employee Handbook

Whether you have one employee or ten, it’s a good idea to have an employee handbook. Gone are the days when people did business on a handshake. Today, it is important to protect yourself and your business by creating clear policies and procedures for your business and its employees. Your employee handbook should cover topics such as vacation time, sick days, harassment, promotions, dress codes, interactions with the public and customers, and any other appropriate subjects. When people know what to expect and what is expected of them, they tend to be much happier in their work environment.

Use a Confidentiality Agreement If Necessary

For some businesses, it makes sense to have an employee sign a confidentiality agreement. This is especially important if your business involves trade secrets, customer lists, or intellectual property. A confidentiality agreement prohibits your employees from disclosing sensitive information about your business after they have moved on from the company. These agreements must be reasonable, and they must comply with state law. Your lawyer can help you draft an agreement that is both fair and enforceable.

Speak with an Experienced Mississippi Business Lawyer Today

Whether you are considering purchasing a new asset, or you are looking to protect your business, we can help. At Rushing & Guice, P.L.L.C., we help business owners safeguard what they have worked so hard to build. Call us today at (228) 374-2313 to discuss your case.